Skip to content
ppharmaranks
Menu
Bracco logo

readi-cat 2 smoothie

Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie (Barium Sulfate) is a radiographic contrast agent.

Barium Sulfate · by Bracco

Not yet rated· sourced from the FDA label
Rated against independent regulatory sources·Last updated June 7, 2026·How we rate
Verified againstopenFDANIH DailyMedRxClass

Key facts

Active ingredient
Barium Sulfate
Form
Suspension
Strength
Barium Sulfate 2%
Type
Prescription (Rx)
Brand or generic
Brand-name
Manufacturer
Bracco
FDA application
NDA208143

What is Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie?

From the FDA label:Liquid E-Z-PAQUE (barium sulfate) is a radiographic contrast agent supplied as a white to lightly colored barium sulfate suspension (60%w/v) for oral administration. The active ingredient barium sulfate is designated chemically as BaSO 4 with a molecular weight of 233.4 g/mol, a density of 4.5 g/cm 3 , and the following chemical structure: Liquid E-Z-PAQUE contains the following excipients: carboxymethyl cellulose sodium, citric acid, natural and artificial strawberry lemon cream flavor, polysorbate 80, potassium sorbate, purified water, saccharin sodium, simethicone emulsion, sodium benzoate, sodium citrate, sorbitol solution, xanthan gum. barium-sulfate-structure

How to use

Adults: Recommended oral dose is 150 mL to 750 mL (87g to 435g of barium sulfate, respectively) ( 2.1 ) Pediatric patients: adjust dose based on relative GI volume ( 2.1 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage The optimal oral dose of Liquid E-Z-PAQUE will vary depending on the size and anatomy of the patient and the procedure being performed. The recommended oral dose of Liquid E-Z-PAQUE: Adults: 150 to 750 mL (87 g to 435 g of barium sulfate, respectively). Volumes closer to 150 mL are recommended for examination of the esophagus and stomach and volumes up to 750 mL are recommended for examination of the small bowel Pediatric Patients: Adjust dose based on GI volume For examinations of the upper GI tract, administer a volume sufficient to fully distend the esophagus or stomach. For small bowel examinations: Age birth to less than 2 years: 30 mL to 75 mL Age 2 years to less than 17 years: 75 mL to 480 mL 2.2 Administration Instructions For oral use only Shake bottle vigorously for 30 seconds prior to oral administration to fully suspend product Administer undiluted Ensure patients have nothing by mouth for the following time period prior to the examination: Neonates and Infants < 3 months 2 hours Infants 3-12 months 3 hours > 12 months of age 4 hours Discard any unused suspension Encourage patients to maintain hydration following the barium sulfate procedure

Side effects

The following adverse reactions have been identified from spontaneous reporting or clinical studies of barium sulfate administered orally. Because the reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or to establish a causal relationship to drug exposure: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping Serious adverse reactions and fatalities include aspiration pneumonitis, barium sulfate impaction, intestinal perforation with consequent peritonitis and granuloma formation, vasovagal and syncopal episodes Common adverse reactions include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramping ( 6 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bracco Diagnostics Inc at 1-800-257-5181 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch

Warnings

Important safety information

Hypersensitivity reactions: Emergency equipment and trained personnel should be immediately available ( 5.1 ) Intra-abdominal barium leakage: May occur in conditions such as GI fistula, ulcer, inflammatory bowel disease, appendicitis or diverticulitis, severe stenosis or obstructing lesions of the GI tract ( 5.2 ) Delayed GI transit and obstruction: Patients should maintain adequate hydration in days following a barium sulfate procedure to avoid obstruction or impaction ( 5.3 ) Aspiration pneumonitis: Patients with history of food aspiration or with swallowing disorders are at increased risk ( 5.4 ) 5.1 Hypersensitivity Reactions Barium sulfate preparations contain a number of excipients, including natural and artificial flavors and may induce serious hypersensitivity reactions. The manifestations include hypotension, bronchospasm and other respiratory impairments, dermal reactions including rashes, urticaria and itching. A history of bronchial asthma, atopy or a previous reaction to a contrast agent may increase the risk for hypersensitivity reactions. Emergency equipment and trained personnel should be immediately available for treatment of a hypersensitivity reaction. 5.2 Intra-abdominal Barium Leakage The use of Liquid E-Z-PAQUE is contraindicated in patients at high risk of perforation of the GI tract [see Contraindications ( 4 )]. Administration of Liquid E-Z-PAQUE may result in leakage of barium from the GI tract in the presence of conditions such as carcinomas, GI fistula, inflammatory bowel disease, gastric or duodenal ulcer, appendicitis, diverticulitis, and in patients with a severe stenosis at any level of the GI tract, especially distal to the stomach. Barium leakage has been associated with peritonitis and granuloma formation. 5.3 Delayed Gastrointestinal Transit and Obstruction Orally administered barium sulfate may accumulate proximal to a constricting lesion of the colon, causing obstruction or impaction with development of baroliths (inspissated barium associated with feces) and may cause abdominal pain, appendicitis, bowel obstruction, or rarely perforation. Patients with the following conditions are at higher risk for developing obstruction or baroliths: severe stenosis at any level of the GI tract, impaired GI motility, electrolyte imbalance, dehydration, on a low residue diet, on medications that delay GI motility, constipation, cystic fibrosis or Hirschsprung disease, and the elderly [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 , 8.5 )] . To reduce the risk of delayed GI transit and obstruction, patients should maintain adequate hydration following a barium sulfate procedure. 5.4 Aspiration Pneumonitis The use of Liquid E-Z-PAQUE is contraindicated in patients at high risk of aspiration [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Oral administration of barium is associated with aspiration pneumonitis, especially in patients with a history of food aspiration or with compromised swallowing mechanism. Vomiting following oral administration of barium sulfate may lead to aspiration pneumonitis. In patients at risk for aspiration, begin the procedure with a small ingested volume of Liquid E-Z-PAQUE. Discontinue administration of Liquid E-Z-PAQUE immediately if aspiration is suspected. 5.5 Systemic Embolization Barium sulfate products may occasionally intravasate into the venous drainage of the large bowel and enter the circulation as a "barium embolus" leading to potentially fatal complications which include systemic and pulmonary embolism, disseminated intravascular coagulation, septicemia and prolonged severe hypotension. Although this complication is exceedingly uncommon after oral administration of barium sulfate suspension, monitor patients for potential intravasation when administering barium sulfate. 5.6 Risk with Hereditary Fructose Intolerance Liquid E-Z-PAQUE contains sorbitol which may cause severe symptoms if ingested by patients with hereditary fructose intolerance. Severe symptoms may include the following: vomiting, hypoglycemia, jaundice, hemorrhage, hepatomegaly, hyperuricemia, and kidney failure. Before administration of Liquid E-Z-PAQUE assess patients for a history of hereditary fructose intolerance and avoid use in these patients.

Who should not take Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie

Liquid E-Z-PAQUE is contraindicated in patients with the following conditions: known or suspected perforation of the GI tract known obstruction of the GI tract high risk of GI perforation such as those with a recent GI perforation, acute GI hemorrhage or ischemia, toxic megacolon, severe ileus, post GI surgery or biopsy, acute GI injury or burn, or recent radiotherapy to the pelvis high risk of aspiration such as those with prior aspiration, tracheo-esophageal fistula, or obtundation known severe hypersensitivity to barium sulfate or any of the excipients of Liquid E-Z-PAQUE Known or suspected perforation of the GI tract ( 4 ) Known obstruction of the GI tract ( 4 ) Conditions associated with high risk of GI perforation or aspiration ( 4 ) Known severe hypersensitivity to barium sulfate or any of the excipients of Liquid E-Z-PAQUE ( 4 )

Drug class

How this class works, per Intravenous Contrast - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf.

Dosage forms

Suspension

The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.

Ways to save

Ask for the generic

Same active ingredient, far cheaper. Is there a generic? →

Request a 90-day supply

Bulk fills usually lower the per-dose price vs monthly refills.

Use copay cards

Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.

Compare alternatives

A same-class option may cost less. See alternatives →

Frequently asked questions

How does Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie work?
Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie is a radiographic contrast agent. Radiographic contrast agents are imaging dyes, not treatments. They contain dense elements like iodine that absorb X-rays strongly, so the blood vessels or organs they fill show up bright and clearly outlined on an X-ray or CT scan.
Is there a coupon or discount for Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie?
pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
Who makes Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie?
Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie is marketed by Bracco. You can see Bracco's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
Is Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie a brand-name or generic drug?
Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Barium Sulfate.
Is Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie available over the counter?
No. Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
What forms does Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie come in?
Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie is currently marketed as suspension, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
What class of drug is Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie?
Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie is classified as radiographic contrast agent, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
Is Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie FDA-registered?
Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA208143. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
Is Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie safe?
There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
What are the side effects of Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie?
Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following adverse reactions have been identified from spontaneous reporting or clinical studies of barium sulfate administered orally. Because the reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size,… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.

Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to write one.

Write a review

Reviews are user opinions, not medical advice. Consult a licensed professional.

People also viewed

Compare Readi-Cat 2 Smoothie head-to-head

More radiographic contrast agent drugs

Identify a pill by its imprint →Check a drug interaction →Drug recalls →

Browse medications A–Z

Research products from A to Z, compare independent ratings, and find alternatives.

readi-cat 2 smoothie

New